What requirements must be met to install solar panels?

The installation of solar panels implies meeting a series of specific requirements to be able to carry it out. And it is that, due to current regulations —such as the horizontal property law—, it is not always possible.

What requirements must be met to install solar panels?

It is for this reason that in this article we explain what are the different permits to install solar panels that you need and the specific requirements. If you are thinking of carrying out a solar installation in your home or community of neighbors, we recommend that you continue reading.

Requirements to install solar panels

Although, in general, there are usually no problems when installing solar panels, there are times when the infrastructure of the home makes it difficult. This is so because when carrying out a solar installation the structure of the roof is modified, for example, but also due to the presence of shadows or poor orientation. These are the requirements to install solar panels that we must take into account.

Requirements for installing solar panels: the roof

Among the most important requirements to install solar panels we find the conditions of the roof. This is the most limiting, since all the elements of the installation will be located in it. In addition, you must bear in mind that to install the solar panels, you need to use specific supports, so the coating —either tiles, asphalt fabric or flat roof— must be in good condition. You must make sure of this to avoid the appearance of leaks or broken tiles at the time of carrying out the installation —if you do not do so, you run the risk of having to remove the entire installation if a leak problem appears once done—. The roof must also not contain asbestos or asbestos, which is toxic – some companies require an analysis report to find out before they start.

Requirements to install solar panels: orientation

The orientation of the house also usually plays an important role when carrying out a solar installation. It is important to comply with this requirement since a bad orientation can affect the productivity of the solar panels, so the investment will not be used. In general, The more south-facing the house is, the greater the radiation received. In the event that the house is oriented to the north, it is most likely that you will not be able to carry out the installation. It is advisable to consult with specialized technicians.

Requirements for installing solar panels: the shadows

hot spots or hot spots in solar panels are produced by the constant presence of shadows on the solar panels. These they can disable a part of the solar panel or completely. They are produced by the increase in temperature in an area of ​​the panel derived from a malfunction due to the shadows. To carry out a solar installation, the absence of shadows on the roof must be guaranteed. The most advisable thing is to carry out the installation in winter since it is the date in which the natural lighting can drop. In this way we will get an idea of ​​what the ideal layout of our solar panels should be and if it is worth the investment.

Do I have to ask for permission to put solar panels?

Permits to install solar panels are mandatory, these are required by the administration prior to construction and after. Now, with the last modification of regulation of self-consumption the bureaucratic procedures to carry out these installations were reduced. These can be requested by the individual or by the installation company from the town hall and are essential since it is a type of reform that affects the exterior. The permits and contracts required to install solar panels are as follows:

• Installation system design: In large installations, a project must be presented, while in small ones, a report is enough.
• Access and connection permission: When they are carried out outside urban land or when the installations exceed 15kWn and/or discharge excess electricity to the general network.
• Building license and taxes: ICIO and urban rate. In general, it usually translates into a notice to the town hall —in minor works—, in major works it may require additional information. The Construction and Works Tax (ICIO) and the rate for the provision of urban services must be paid. Keep in mind that these can be discounted depending on the Autonomous Community, as reflected in the latest update of the self-consumption regulations.
• Prior administrative and construction authorization: It is mandatory only in large photovoltaic installations. Those that are less than 100kWp do not need it.
• Environmental and public utility authorization: Typically not required for small installations. They measure the environmental impact that the installation can generate.
• Certificate of completion of work: This certifies that the work has been carried out properly. It must be submitted compulsorily to the town hall or the bodies of the autonomous community in question. It can be issued by an electrician —if the installation is small— or by a senior technician —when the installation is greater than 10kWp—.
• Operating authorization: This authorization allows the exploitation of the production electrical installation. It is not necessary in small installations, except for those in which it is necessary to present a work design in the form of a project by request of the administration.

To these permits to install solar panels, initial and periodic inspections must also be added. These are done by a Authorized Control Body (OCA) and serve to check that everything works properly. However, they are not necessary when the installations are less than 10kW —as long as they are not in public places—. It is also important to make it clear that Once the installation is done, it must be legalized.. For this you will need to have the following:

• Registration of the self-consumption installation in the Industry Department of the autonomous community in question.
• Access contract.
• Energy supply contract for auxiliary services.
• Surplus compensation contract.
• Representation contract.

What does the horizontal property law say about the installation of solar panels?

The horizontal property law underwent changes in favor of green energy with the latest approval of the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law. Currently, according to art. 17.1 of the horizontal property law, any owner can request the installation of solar panels in the community of neighbors. In addition, for its approval, a Board of Owners must be convened and only the approval of a third of the members will be necessary.